Recently awarded Football Club of the Year at The Football Business Awards, Brentford FC is renowned for its operational excellence.
At this year’s Teamworks Operations Summit, Ameesh Manek, Chief Operations Officer at Brentford Football Club, sat down to reflect on his unconventional career path from retail management and banking to the Premier League, offering invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of football operations.
A Career Built on Adaptability and Strategy
Ameesh’s journey is anything but traditional. Starting his career in the world of retail, he honed his skills in organisational efficiency, customer engagement, and strategic planning—skills he would later find invaluable in the realm of professional football. His transition into sports wasn’t just a leap of faith; it was a carefully considered move guided by a clear career roadmap and a passion for operational excellence.
He stressed the importance of having a personal career plan, especially for those aiming to break into the competitive world of sports. For Ameesh, adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to learn across domains have been key to his success.
Operational Excellence: The Hidden Engine of Success
Behind every successful football club is a well-oiled operational machine. Ameesh believes that while talent on the pitch is critical, the structure supporting that talent—logistics, scheduling, data management, and more—can be just as impactful. He describes operational excellence not just as a goal, but as a mindset that should permeate every layer of a sports organisation.
He encourages clubs to view operations as a competitive advantage. When done right, effective operations can elevate performance, ensure consistency, and build a culture of professionalism across departments.
The Rise of Technology in Football
Ameesh also spoke at length about the transformative role technology plays in modern football. From performance analytics to communication platforms, technology is shaping how teams prepare, how players recover, and how organizations function on a daily basis. He notes that integrating the right tools—like Teamworks Hub—can be a game-changer in simplifying workflows and fostering team cohesion.
Relationships, Not Just Results
One of Ameesh’s key takeaways is the value of relationships. In the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of football, building strong interpersonal connections—within clubs and across the industry—can open doors, resolve conflicts, and create opportunities for innovation. It’s not just what you know, but who you know, and how you work with them. Emotional intelligence matters more than IQ
Building a Legacy of Inclusion
Looking to the future, Ameesh aspires to leave a legacy that extends beyond operations and efficiency. He is passionate about creating a more inclusive and representative landscape in football—a sport that connects millions across cultures and continents. For him, diversity isn’t just an HR goal; it’s a core principle that enriches the game and strengthens clubs from within.
A Generalist in a Specialist’s Game
Finally, Ameesh reflects on the value of a generalist mindset. While football often celebrates specialists—coaches, scouts, analysts—there’s increasing appreciation for those who can see the big picture, connect dots, and build bridges across functions. His career stands as proof that a broader perspective, grounded in cross-industry experience, can drive innovation in sports.
Ameesh Manek’s story is a testament to the evolving nature of football leadership. As clubs increasingly embrace technology, diversity, and interdisciplinary thinking, leaders like Ameesh are paving the way for a more dynamic and inclusive future in sport.
Teamworks would like to thank Ameesh for being part of the inaugural Teamworks Operations Summit, we’re already busy planning next year’s event.
To learn more about how Teamworks can support your Operations team, please get in touch here
To learn more about the Teamworks Operations Summit, read our recap here